Tag: Domestic Abuse

From Silence to Voice: Reflecting on a Powerful Event at UWE Bristol

Author Paul Williamson | Posted on

In this powerful and reflective blog, Imogen Hirst, Senior Lecturer on the Policing Programme at UWE Bristol, reflects on the courage of domestic abuse survivors and considers the importance of placing lived experience at the heart of education, professional practice and wider conversations about domestic abuse.

In Imogen’s own words

On 16 June 2026, I had the privilege of hosting Surviving Domestic Abuse: From Silence to Voice at UWE Bristol. Delivered in partnership with the Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership Domestic Abuse Survivors Group, ‘WithHart’. The event brought together staff, students, practitioners and members of the wider community to listen, learn and reflect on the realities and lasting impact of domestic abuse.

More importantly, it created a space where survivor voices were placed at the centre of the conversation.

Creating a Space for Survivor Voices

The morning began with a welcome from Professor Peter Clegg, Head of the School of Social Sciences at UWE Bristol, whose opening remarks highlighted the importance of partnership working, community engagement and creating opportunities for lived experience to inform understanding and learning. Attendees then heard from the group lead about the origins and development of WithHart. What followed was both moving and memorable.

Courage, Creativity and Lived Experience

Three survivors shared deeply personal poems and letters to their younger selves. Their words spoke of fear, resilience, loss, survival and hope. The courage required to share such personal experiences with a room full of people was extraordinary. As the audience listened, there was a palpable sense of respect, reflection and connection.

The event was further supported by Dr Anne Eason, Associate Professor of Trauma Informed Learning and Practice and Sarah Williams, both Associate Directors of Policing, who spoke powerfully about the importance of genuinely listening to lived experience and ensuring that survivor voices inform both education and professional practice. They also acknowledged the extraordinary courage shown by the survivors in sharing deeply personal experiences through poetry, letters and artwork. Their contributions reinforced the importance of creating spaces where lived experience is not only heard but valued as a source of insight, learning and understanding.

Learning Through Art and Storytelling

Alongside the spoken contributions, attendees were able to engage with a range of creative work produced by members of the group. Large scale artwork, written pieces and recorded spoken word installations provided different ways of understanding and responding to experiences of domestic abuse. The exhibition encouraged visitors to spend time with the stories being shared and to engage with them at their own pace.

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the way in which creativity enabled voices to be heard. Through poetry, letters, visual art and spoken word, survivors communicated experiences that are often difficult to express through conventional discussion. The result was an event that was both challenging and inspiring.

The Role of Universities in Listening

For those of us working in higher education, the event also served as an important reminder of the value of lived experience. Universities have a vital role to play in creating opportunities for voices that are too often unheard. Events such as this allow us to move beyond statistics and policy discussions and engage with the human realities that sit behind them.

The feedback received throughout the day reflected the impact of what had been shared. Many attendees spoke about how powerful they found the personal stories, the artwork and the opportunity to reflect on experiences that are frequently hidden from public view.

Feeling Heard and Empowered

Perhaps most importantly, several of the survivors spoke afterwards about feeling genuinely heard and empowered. For individuals whose experiences have often been overlooked, dismissed or silenced, having the opportunity to share their stories in a supportive environment and knowing that people had truly listened was significant. The sense of empowerment that emerged from the event was powerful in itself and demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where lived experience is valued, respected and given a platform.

The event was made possible through the commitment, courage and generosity of the members of WithHart. Through their willingness to share their stories, creativity and experiences, they created an opportunity for meaningful learning, reflection and dialogue. Their contributions challenged assumptions, increased understanding and reminded all of us of the importance of listening to those with lived experience.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mim and all of the members of WithHart who contributed to the event. It was a privilege to work alongside them and to help create a platform where their voices could be heard.

The event was entitled “From Silence to Voice”. By the end of the day, it was clear that the survivors had not only found their voice but had also experienced the power of being truly listened to. Sharing their stories meant they felt valued, respected and empowered. In many ways, that may be one of the most important outcomes of all.

You can find out more about Hartcliffe & Withywood Community Partnership and the support on offer here

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Senior Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer) and Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).

A Day in the Life of A Young Victim’s Advocate

Author Claire Bowers | Posted on

‘Everyone has the right to feel safe. Nothing is too small that it can’t be spoken about with someone.’

These are the words that greet visitors to the Young Victims Service homepage, setting the tone for the next edition of our ‘Day in the Life’ series.

In this episode, we highlight the vital work of policing partners supporting young victims of crime, anti-social behaviour, and domestic abuse.

Managed by North Somerset Youth Justice Service, the Young Victims Service (YVS) is funded by Avon and Somerset Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB) and North Somerset Council to provide specialist intervention support from professionally qualified Young Victim’s Advocates to children across Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and South Gloucestershire.

YVS utilises a ‘trauma-informed’ approach, offering bespoke and individualised support plans, completed in collaboration with the children and their families.

The service works in partnership with schools and other agencies in the best interests of the child, ensuring that their voice remains at the centre of all decision-making. YVS works with children aged 5 to 18 years, and those with additional learning needs who are 18 to 25 years old. 

YVS ensures children and young people have appropriate, practical and emotional support to help them begin to process and move forwards from their experience as a victim of crime, as well as helping them engage with the criminal justice system if they choose to do so.

This week we hear from Sian Hancock, who has been a Young Victim’s Advocate with YVS for 7 years.

Join us as we explore the dedication, compassion, and expertise that goes into supporting young victims.

Sian, can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a Young Victims Advocate?

I was born in South Wales, but have spent most of my life in and around Bristol.  I have worked with children, young people and their families in both community and educational settings.  I was a young leader in the Guide Movement and a Youth Worker for several years. Whilst my daughters were growing up, I led and managed a pre-school before going to university and training as a primary school teacher. 

“Whilst teaching, my post graduate study focussed on ways to empower independent learners.  This challenged a lot of my thinking, alongside a trip to Sierra Leone as part of the ‘Just Life Project’ visiting community projects helping the country recover from its civil war.” 

I then moved into Higher Education, training youth and community workers, which is what I was doing before I joined the Young Victims Service.

“These experiences have equipped me for my Advocate role, which I often consider to be the ‘non-anxious presence’ alongside children and young people when their world has been turned upside down”

The impact of being a victim can be profound and far-reaching for a child or young person, affecting their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. They may have experienced trauma and abuse, leading to low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Their behaviour might also be impacted. For example, they may be dysregulated, withdraw or become aggressive, displaying disruptive behaviours as a way of coping.

Calm, consistent support helps children feel valued, heard, and safe as they work through the complex emotions tied to their experiences. It creates a foundation for recovery and healing, which can make a significant difference in the child’s emotional development and future well-being.

How does your day start?

I like to ground myself at the start of the day, so I’ll walk the dog before my first coffee!  

Vegan banana pancakes are my breakfast choice at the moment.

What does a typical day involve?

Most days start with me taking time to recall my last session with the young people I will be seeing.  This helps me to build continuity in our work and to ensure I have a range of resources to offer them choice in how they might respond. Most sessions happen in the school day, so I travel to my first school and meet with that young person for an hour.  Like many, he needed the therapeutic space to offload and reset. 

“The day hadn’t started well for this young person, and he was feeling overwhelmed, so I asked for the Head of Year to join us so we could request some amendments to the day to help him decompress and approach the afternoon lessons feeling less anxious.”

After the session, I ring home to update the parents on my concerns and any actions. Between visits I make some notes about the sessions and respond to phone calls. Sometimes I may be answering as the Duty Advocate, which involves answering initial enquiries or providing follow-up information. 

In the next school, I join a meeting with a young person, their parents, Head of Year and Pastoral Lead.  We talk about what was going well for them and share any concerns.  The young person was able to express their struggles and contributed to the way forward that was agreed to by the end of the meeting.

The final visit was to siblings at their home.  After some initial play time together, they each had their own time with me to explore their feelings and how to manage them when family life is messy.  English is not their first language, so at times I needed to navigate cultural distinctions, however being in their home, with Mum nearby, made that easier.

“We use a range of tools to build safe trusting relationships with the young people and to help them to explore their thoughts feelings and wishes. This includes ‘getting to know you games’, breathing and grounding techniques, talk, art or play therapy. Sometimes we will use sports, or ‘walk and talk’ methods to engage a young person.”

Some of the interventions I provide are from the ‘Healing Together‘ programme. All of the YVS team are accredited ‘Healing Together’ facilitators. The programme includes activities and videos on content such as ‘how to keep safe’, ‘understanding how our brains and bodies work together’ and ‘finding and feeling feelings safely.’ We also use the ‘Spark’ Curriculum and resources.

Provided by Innovating Minds, ‘Healing Together’ is a Home Office approved trauma-informed programme that was born out of a request from mothers who had started their journey of recovery from domestic abuse. These mothers wanted help and support for their children but could not find anything suitable.

The ‘Healing Together’ programme incorporates evidence-based models, including attachment, neuroscience (including polyvagal theory and Daniel Siegal’s work) and relational approaches.

At some point during the day I will send reminders to the parent carers and/or young people I will be seeing the next day, to remind them of timings and to check that they’re still okay to meet. When I make it back to my desk, I will write up my case notes, respond to emails and then begin to prepare for tomorrow’s visits.

How does your role link with policing?

Whilst YVS accepts referrals from schools, other agencies, families and young people, many referrals come through from the police via Lighthouse Victim Care.  Not all cases are going through the Criminal Justice System but when they are, we support families through that process and will accompany them to ABE interviews, pre-trial visits and at Court.  At these times we may have a closer link with the investigating officer. 

“It is reassuring to a young person to have an Advocate alongside them having already established a rapport.”

Advocates can help explain the process and provide the emotional support needed whilst awaiting decisions on whether charges will be made and cases going to Court.

What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?

I learn so much from the young people I meet, and am often amazed at the transformation that can be seen after our short intervention. 

“Working WITH them and giving THEM the opportunity to make choices can make such difference. Young people are empowered, self-esteem is boosted again and resilience deepens.”

What would success in your role look like for you?

“A young person THRIVING, not just surviving.”

Sometimes this is seen in their face or body language.  Or, we might hear it as they talk about experiences that show they have their confidence and sense of safety restored and are re-emerging again.  We may be told by parents, carers or teachers how they have begun to see glimpses of their old self again. 

Formally, success or quantitative data is captured when we revisit an assessment questionnaire the young person completed at the beginning of the support process.   It involves scaled responses to questions and is a good visual tool for young people to see where things have changed, and for us to reflect with them together on how and why responses may be different now.  We also get affirming feedback from families and schools.

What do you see as the main benefits of a university education for police officers and what do you think the educational priorities are?

“University provides a constructive reflective space for the lived experience to be shared, thinking to be expanded and misconceptions and bias to be challenged.”

Academic study encourages reflection on ‘action’, and can provide a language for understanding the underlying values and principles for ways of working.  Going through study in this way will inevitably deepen self-awareness, help develop the relational and communication skills needed for front line work with the public as well as for collaborative working.

On behalf of young victims, it would be helpful for the understanding of TRAUMA to be a priority.  It’s a complex subject and can continue to trigger strong physiological and emotional responses.  Exploration of what it means to be ‘trauma-informed’ in approach and when communicating would be beneficial to all concerned, and less triggering for young people.

A comprehensive understanding of DOMESTIC ABUSE in its many guises would be helpful, as it is often hidden behind presenting behaviours and incidents.  Alongside that would be insight to the subtleties of ‘controlling coercive behaviour’ and an awareness to how this often continues post-separation.  Some of the children we work with find themselves caught amid adult disagreements, and struggle with this and their feelings for each adult.

And lastly, what do you do for fun?

I climb trees, read books and play board games…not necessarily in that order!

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer); Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer) & Micah Hassell (Senior Lecturer).

If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe

A Day in the life of an IDVA

Author Claire Bowers | Posted on

We are fast approaching Christmas, an occasion generally regarded as one of the most wonderful times of the year. However for many, especially women, it is sadly the most dangerous time of the year, with a significant increase in risk of abuse and violence. The Christmas period typically sees a rise in police responses to domestic abuse incidents and a report by the NSPCC predicts that 15,000 children could be exposed to domestic violence over the two-week Christmas period.

According to the Office of National Statistics (2024), the police recorded approximately 1.4 million domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes in the year ending March 2024. The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that unfortunately 2.3 million people (4.8%) aged 16 years and over (1.6 million women and 712,000 men) have experienced domestic abuse this year. These are sobering figures indeed. The police play a crucial role in taking ‘positive action‘ to protect victims, investigate and prevent domestic abuse, however this issue requires a multi-agency approach.

The period from Monday 25th November to Tuesday, 10th December, represented the annual 16 Days of Activism against domestic abuse. To mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, Next Link held candlelit vigils to highlight the number of women and children affected by Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

Candle lit vigil to mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. Photograph provided by Next Link.

 This week’s blog is written by Liz fromNext Link. Liz is an IDVA, which stands for Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. Next Linkis commissioned to provide IDVA services by South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset Councils, in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Every 10 minutes, partners and family members killed a woman intentionally in 2023 (United Nations, 2024)

Like all crisis response teams, Liz and her colleagues are an essential support resource, keeping people safe and empowered during the Christmas season and throughout the rest of the year.

IDVAs are a primary point of contact for victims of domestic abuse. They prioritise victim safety by providing crucial advocacy, emotional and practical assistance to reduce the risk posed by perpetrators of domestic abuse.   

Next Link Candle-lit vigil 2024. Photograph provided by Next Link.

This blog will help you to understand more about the important work that IDVAs do. Over to you Liz… 

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to become an IDVA? 

I have worked within support and trauma for 20 plus years! Yes, I am an oldie! Firstly, I worked within case management for under 25’s who had suffered a traumatic brain injury, often from a crime or negligence.  I worked with the whole family, co-ordinated a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and ensured a long-term plan was in place for them to rebuild their lives. 

I then started my family and when they went to school, I began working in trauma youth work and alternative education. 

“All of the children and young people were in care or secure units or pupil referral units (PRU). They were either care leavers, out of education, had severe mental health issues, or similar.”

I was often working within a large team of professionals from schools, police, youth offending teams, criminal justice service, children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) etc. I worked with children to build resilience and coping strategies, working through trauma and supporting them to reach their full potential. Domestic abuse was often a factor in their lives. 

“I had a break from this field for seven years as I became a survivor of domestic violence and stalking.”

After taking time to heal and work through my experience, I decided that I wanted to become an IDVA. I would not have been able to do all this without the support of my IDVA.

 “I wanted to turn something horrific into something empowering and support others.”

How does your day start?

I would like to say, meditating to the sun and having a green tea! But, in reality, it is a strong coffee and walking the hounds! Well, they are more the size of guinea pigs, but they still need walking! Then I am getting the tribe fed, out of the door and delivered to schools etc. before heading to work! 

What does a typical day involve?

There really is not a typical day for an IDVA…

“Much like the police, your day can be planned but you need to be responsive to victims and survivors needs. Risk can change quickly, so the priority is those at high risk of harm.” 

My day can be spent: 

  • Attending court. Often family court, but we have many cases at Magistrates and Crown Court. 
  • Support/advocacy at child protection meetings.  
  • Attending housing meetings for advocacy e.g. for emergency accommodation 
  • Appeals and support letters to access housing and other services. 
  • Support to give written or video statements to the police. 
  • Liaising with professionals in the criminal justice system e.g. Lighthouse and OIC’s to provide updates to the victim, ensure their voice is heard and assist in any way we can with the investigation. 
  • Safety planning, home-security referrals, co-ordinating with schools and services regarding safety. 

I work with the under 25’s who are living with domestic abuse, so I do some 1:1 work with them on safety planning, understanding their experiences, planning what they want to happen next and working with schools and social services.

I am also training to be an ISAC for South Gloucestershire. Many of the stalking cases will therefore come to me or other trained ISACs, and colleagues will also seek advice from us.

ISAC stands for Independent stalking advocacy caseworker and is a trained specialist who provides advice and support to anyone who has been the victim of Domestic Stalking 

As you can see it is very varied work, all with the common goal of helping victims to seek help and find safety by providing practical, emotional and legal support. We try to help victims to navigate the complex and often overwhelming criminal justice and family court systems they find themselves involved in.

How does your role link with policing?

“We work very closely with Lighthouse and Avon & Somerset Police.”

Often the referrals will come directly from the police where we will contact the OIC (Officer in charge) for a case update and ascertain what support the victim needs to support them with their investigation. We will work with the victim and police to facilitate as much as we can. This can range from requesting a ‘treat as urgent’ (TAU) marker on victim’s addresses, support at court and video interviews (Achieving Best Evidence) to support the victim during their process and liaising with police on any victim engagement and/or safety concerns.

“We advocate for the victim’s voice throughout the process and are a bridge between the police and the victim if needed, to achieve the best possible outcome.” 

As I am trained and understand the independence of my role, the police and CPS roles, I also can assist with ensuring the case is robust as possible for presenting to the CPS for a charging decision by supporting the victim to recognise the importance of evidence gathering/preservation and co-operating where they choose to do this. 

I was recently an IDVA on Operation Balearic which aimed to improve police investigations and provide support to victims immediately after a report had been made, whilst the suspect was in custody. Speaking to victims at this stage gave me a real understanding of Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the police’s role in the initial interaction with the victim. This enabled me to be able to more explain fully to the victim why certain questions are asked and what was currently happening. 

Sometimes we will challenge decisions if this is in the victim’s best interests. For example, I have suggested a case is looked at as a stalking charge, rather than as a breach of bail etc. and will encourage it to be reviewed by putting forward my rationale and evidence. 

“For victims, making informed choices and having control over the process makes a big difference in their recovery, as they have already been subject to controlling behaviours and had their choices taken away from them.”

What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?

“The most rewarding part of being an IDVA is when a very traumatised victim allows you to support them through an awful, disturbing and confusing time. This is a real privilege.”

Seeing their confidence build and get their lives back on track. Being present at the moment when they realise there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  

What would success in your role look like for you?

Survivors re-building secure futures and thriving. Not being a victim from domestic abuse again.

What do you see as the main benefits of a university education for police officers and what do you think the educational priorities are? 

A university education should teach a rounded and holistic approach to policing, with the opportunity to gain knowledge of the different areas.

“Empathy and compassion fatigue are a very real issue in this work. Educational priorities should include learning to look after yourself and having good boundaries. These are key to a lasting career.”  

And lastly, what do you do for fun? 

I am creative and often will be found in the garage upcycling some new find from the charity shop or Vinted! 

If you would like to learn more about Next Link and the important work that they do, you can visit their website or refer to their latest Impact Report and Guide to Services.

If you’re looking for more information on how to seek help for domestic abuse, the following links may be useful:

Editorial Team

Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer); Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer) & Micah Hassell (Senior Lecturer).

If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe.

Tackling Domestic Abuse through 16 Days of Activism

Author Paul Williamson | Posted on

Today’s blog is written by Associate Director (Policing) Sarah Williams and reflects on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (UN Women, 2023). This ends on December 10th (International Human Rights Day).

This annual campaign was first launched in 1991. Today, more than 30 years later, the World Health Organisation estimates that some 30% of women worldwide continue to experience violence of some sort (WHO, 2023). It can be tempting to underestimate the scale of the problem in the UK, but this would be a mistake.  A lot of violence against women and girls takes the form of domestic abuse and sexual offences and sadly both are prevalent here.

2.1 million people in the UK experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023 (ONS, 2023a). That’s 2.1 million people who have been hurt in some way by those who they have (or had) close relationships with, be that a partner or a family member. And that’s before we think about those harmed in other ways – the children terrified by domestic abuse between their parents, the friends who see someone they care about slowly fade away, the parent who sees their adult child blame themselves for the abuse they suffer. Domestic abuse is a disease. It blights the lives of those it touches and ultimately it costs lives. There were 134 domestic homicides in the UK in 2022 (ONS, 2023b) and it can be a risk factor for suicide among victims (Devries et al, 2011; Keynejad, 2023).

Women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse (ONS, 2023c), being twice as likely as men to experience it. Rape and sexual assault are also horrifyingly common. Based on data provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2023d), Rape Crisis believes that 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted (Rape Crisis, 2023). Many of these rapes and assaults will take place in the context of a relationship.

So, what can we do about this persistent violence against women in the UK that continues to traumatise so many? The scale of the problem can feel overwhelming, but small steps can lead to big changes and there is something that we can all do. Voicing our support for those tackling violence against women and girls is a small step towards showing we will not tolerate it any longer. This year’s 16 Days of Activism asked people to do just that and to share the actions they are taking to tackle violence against women and girls. By spreading the word, we can share good practice, inspire others to do the same, and send a clear message to society that VAWG will not be tolerated. Let’s not stop after 16 days. Let’s keep up this vital work and continue the fight well into 2024.

UWE Bristol Policing tackling VAWG

UWE Bristol has played its own part in supporting the 16 Days of Activism initiative by being a signatory to an open letter sent by the Bristol Women’s Commission to local media (BWC, 2023). Along with many other local organisations, including UWE’s policing partner Avon & Somerset Police, the signatories have pledged to support local activism against VAWG and encourage other businesses, organisations and individuals to do the same. As part of its wider equality, diversity and inclusion approach, UWE Bristol also has its Speak Up campaign, aimed at creating an inclusive campus where everyone feels safe and where harassment, assault and discrimination will not be tolerated (UWE, 2023a and 2023b). This will continue long after the 16 days have ended.

Here on the policing programmes at UWE Bristol, we are tackling violence against women and girls through police education, making sure we include the latest developments in research, and policing and educational policy and practice. Among our recent changes we have:

  • Increased awareness of controlling and coercive behaviour and the barriers victims face when trying to leave an abusive relationship.
  • Included sessions on how trauma-informed practice can improve the experiences of victims and increase successful prosecutions.
  • Helped students explore how evidence-based research influences police practice and how this can help protect women and girls.
  • Incorporated greater awareness of the specific needs of those with protected characteristics or specific vulnerabilities.
  • Enhanced our sessions on understanding the dangers faced by victims of VAWG, exploring police techniques to identify and manage risk.
  • Placed a greater emphasis on digital evidence and investigative quality, and how maximising these can support evidence-led prosecutions that reduce the stress placed on victims.
  • Included more scenario-based teaching where policing students learn to apply what they have learned in our realistic simulation suite (UWE, 2023c).

We aren’t going to stop there. Policing at UWE Bristol takes a continuous improvement approach to its policing provision. We aim to help produce a new generation of police officers driven to tackle VAWG – officers who know how to manage offenders effectively, who understand the needs of victims, and who can use evidence-based approaches to intervene early. In doing so we hope to improve the lives of victims and survivors and contribute to the wider fight to prevent VAWG.

Unite to tackle VAWG

If you want to help us in the fight against VAWG, please circulate your own good work or show your personal support for the 16 Days of Activism and beyond by using the following hash tags on your social media: #NoExcuse, #16Days, #EndVAWG.

References

Avon & Somerset Police (2023) Avon and Somerset Police continuing to make the region a hostile environment for perpetrators of sexual harassment [online]. Available from: Avon and Somerset Police continuing to make the region a hostile environment for perpetrators of sexual harassment | Avon and Somerset Police [Accessed 5 December 2023].

Bristol Women’s Commission (2023) Open Letter for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2023 [online]. Available from: Open Letter for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2023 – Bristol Women’s Commission (bristolwomenscommission.org) [accessed 27 November 2023].

Devries, K., Watts, C., Yoshimama, M., Kiss, L., Schraiber, L.B., Deyessa, N., Heise, L., Durand, J., Mbwambo, J., Jansen, H., Berhane, Y., Ellsberg, M. & Garcia-Moreno, C. (2011) Violence against women is strongly associated with suicide attempts: Evidence from the WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women. Social Science and Medicine [online] Vol 73(1), pp.79-86. [Accessed 5 December 2023].

Keynejad, R.C., Paphitis, S., Davidge, S., Jacob, S., & Howard, L.M. Domestic abuse is important risk factor for suicide. British Medical Journal [online] Vol 379, pp.2890-2890. [Accessed 5 December 2023].

Office for National Statistics (2023a) Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2023 [online]. Available from: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) [Accessed 25 November 2023].

Office for National Statistics (2023b) Homicide in England and Wales: year ending March 2022 [online]. Available from: Homicide in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) [Accessed 5th December 2023].

Office for National Statistics (2023c) Domestic abuse victim characteristics, England and Wales: year ending March 2023 [online]. Available from: Domestic abuse victim characteristics, England and Wales – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) [Accessed 25 November 2023].

Office for National Statistics (2023d) Sexual offences in England and Wales overview:  year ending March 2022 [online]. Available from: Sexual offences in England and Wales overview – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) [Accessed 25 November 2023].

Rape Crisis (2023) Get Informed [online]. Available from: Get informed | Rape Crisis England & Wales [Accessed 5 December 2023].

UN Women (2023) 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence [online]. Available from: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence | UN Women – Headquarters [Accessed 25 November 2023].

University of the West of England (2023a) Equality, diversity and inclusivity [online]. Available from: Equality, diversity and inclusivity – Our values, vision and strategy | UWE Bristol [Accessed 5 December 2023].

University of the West of England (2023b) Speak Up [online]. Available from: Speak Up – Stay safe on and off campus | UWE Bristol [Accessed 5 December 2023].

University of the West of England (2023c) Crime Scene Policing and Policing Space [online]. Available from: Crime Scene Science and Policing Space – Campus and facilities | UWE Bristol [Accessed 5 December 2023].

World Health Organisation (2023) Violence Against Women [online]. Available from: Violence against women (who.int) [Accessed 25 November 2023].

Editorial Team

UWE Policing blog team: Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer); Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer) & Micah Hassell (Senior Lecturer). If you would like to contribute as a guest blogger, please contact Police.blog@uwe.ac.uk

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